My Great Escape Led Me to You (Emily Blair) novel Chapter 161

Emily Blair felt a flush of embarrassment creeping up her neck. She twisted the edge of her sleeve with both hands and lowered her gaze. “I know it’s a lot to ask—I’m sorry. But I’m out of options, so I have to beg you. If you agree, just consider it a favor I owe you. After this… anything you ask of me, I’ll—”

“Anything?” Arianna George’s tone was calm, but there was a steely edge beneath the gentleness. Though she looked refined and composed, her words left Emily floundering.

“Let’s be honest—even if I needed something, what could a student like you possibly offer in return? As for this ‘favor’ of yours, what’s it really worth?”

With that, Arianna pulled open her front door. She paused on the threshold, glancing back with a polite but pointed smile. “I’m afraid your words haven’t convinced me yet.”

“I’m sorry—you should leave now.”

Emily knew she had little to offer Arianna George, but she wasn’t ready to give up just because of a few dismissive words.

“Please, Ms. George—” she pleaded.

“Ms. George!” Her voice overlapped with another, lighter one.

Everyone turned to look.

It was Sophia Clark.

Her bright smile grew even wider at the sight of Emily Blair and Elizabeth Wilson. Carrying a gift box, Sophia walked over and, with an easy familiarity, took the heavy bucket from Arianna’s hands.

“Let me take that, Ms. George. You shouldn’t strain yourself.”

Arianna’s expression softened, her eyes warm as she looked at Sophia. “Oh, it’s not heavy, don’t worry about me. Here, give it back—I can manage. I can’t possibly let a guest carry things for me.”

“So, what brings you here today?” Arianna asked as she set her things down in the hallway.

“I just felt like visiting,” Sophia replied breezily.

“And Isabella? I haven’t seen her in ages.”

Sophia placed the gifts and bucket by the door, then turned with a smile. “She’s been busy preparing for the piano competition—barely has time to chat. But she hasn’t forgotten you, Ms. George.” Sophia slipped her arm through Arianna’s with easy affection. “She made me promise to come check on you, keep you company, and make sure you’re not too bored.”

Arianna chuckled softly. “She’s very thoughtful.”

Sophia glanced back toward the garden, where Emily Blair and Elizabeth Wilson still lingered, her eyes glinting with a quick flash of mischief.